The murder that chilled South Africa

The killing of the Zulu champion David Rattray has brought to a head a nation’s anguish over its soaring crime levels, says RW Johnson

The murder of David Rattray - gunned down in front of his wife - has caught the attention of the world and traumatised South Africa. Internationally famous for raconteur skills and his tours of the battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879, Rattray, 48, was a well-known figure in London, where he was probably the most acclaimed speaker the Royal Geographical Society has known in recent times.

Just over a week ago six young Africans carrying guns, one with his face hidden by a balaclava, entered Rattray's famous lodge at Fugitives' Drift (several survivors of the battle of Isandlwana fled there, two of them receiving posthumous Victoria Crosses) and demanded money. When the receptionist refused they asked for Rattray by name.

The man in the balaclava entered the house, where he came upon Rattray's wife Nicky. She screamed and when Rattray came running he pleaded briefly with the gunman not to harm